UCLA Campus Protest Violence Includes Bloody Assault Injuries

LOS ANGELES, May 1 (KNN) — Acts of violence erupted at UCLA overnight when counter-protesters attempted to disassemble a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus grounds.

As of 1 a.m. Wednesday, the violence was still in full swing on campus leaving one man bleeding from his head and another suffering burning eyes from being pepper sprayed. Multiple other people at the protest were also injured.

The pro-Palestinian protest had escalated with protesters pepper spraying, throwing bottles and other heavy objects at each other.

Pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian protesters were seen fighting with sticks, grabbing onto barriers and trying to enter the pro-Palestinian encampment that was set up on campus.

People in the pro-Palestinian encampment protest were seen wearing wrist bands, according to protesters and witnesses. Other protesters were allegedly not allowed to enter the encampment protest.

Finally, the California Highway Patrol responded en masse to the campus area with some officers wearing face shields as seen in KNN video from the scene. They stood stoic during the surrounding melee. Other law enforcement agencies joined to help disperse the crowd.

The delayed response from UCLA for support from law enforcement to quell the violent protest was criticized by Governor Gavin Newsom, according to multiple media sources.

Classes were cancelled Wednesday and Royce Hall is expected to remain closed through Friday.

Austin Dave, Video Journalist / KNN